Isle of Wight Pride are inviting Islanders to join them on the beach for a free, family friendly celebration on the evening of Saturday 15th July following a bustling, colourful parade through the heart of Ryde earlier in the day.
High profile speakers such as Peter Tatchell, Linda Reilly and Justine Smithies will be aiming to raise awareness of issues facing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community across the world. Joining them in what will be the first ever UK Pride event to take place on a beach will be headline acts Freemasons, Horse McDonald and LaVoix.
Away from the beach arena and main stage, the Pride Village will have food stalls, a small acoustic stage, family fun area, retail stalls and information stands. The event organisers are making sure there will be something for everyone.
After the day event finishes, the party heats up with an official After Pride Party being held at the Balcony Bar in Ryde. The Freemasons will make a further appearance at the Balcony, playing a new House DJ set. Gaydio’s Alex Baker will also be heading to the Island to DJ and Tony Walton from ‘The Waltons’ will be making a special guest DJ appearance especially for Pride.
Committee member John Brownscombe said:
“Team Pride welcomes everyone to this fabulous family friendly event. With the support of our sponsors, local businesses and individual donations and the hard work of the team of volunteers, we are thrilled to be able to put on this event for free.
“At the heart of the day is an Island community celebration for everyone who shares our belief in equality irrespective of your sexuality or what gender you identify as. Alongside the fun festivities there will also be information and speakers talking about the struggles still facing the global LGBT community. It is shocking and tragic that there are still people being killed just because of who they are or who they love.”
Committee member Yve White added:
“IW Pride will be open to everyone. All of our Fringe events have been attended by a broad range of people and we want the main event to be no different. You don’t have to be LGBT to come along, join in the fun and share in this landmark event for the Isle of Wight.
“Personally, I cannot wait to see La Voix live and will also have my dancing shoes on ready for the amazing Freemasons! It’s time for us all on the Island to recognise that Love really does Win”.
Tickets for the main event on the beach are free, but you will need to pre-register due to maximum capacity limits.
Further information, registration for taking part in the Parade and all tickets for the event can be obtained via the Isle of Wight Pride’s website at www.iwpride.org.
